Two dozen culinary students share $74,000 in Taste scholarships

TRAVERSE CITY — More than two dozen Great Lakes Culinary Institute students were awarded $74,000 in scholarship money at last week’s A Taste of Success fundraiser event.

The 2016 scholarships were awarded from dollars raised at the 2015 Taste, a strolling dinner of international cuisine with local wine and craft beers, all prepared and served by culinary students. This year's event, attended by more than 300 people Feb. 19, netted $87,000, which will be awarded to students in 2017.

The top scholarship recipient was BreLynn Ross of Grayling. She received $5,000 in a scholarship awarded in memory of Lucy House, a longtime culinary instructor who died last December at the age of 59.

“I would like to thank all the supporters of the Taste of Success who made it possible for me to receive this award,” Ross said. “This scholarship will make it possible for me to continue my studies at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute.”

GLCI Director Fred Laughlin said the funds raised by the event are vital to many students.

“The event goes a long way to showcase the talent of our student and providing them with needed funds to continue their education,” he said.

The Great Lakes Culinary Institute at Northwestern Michigan College is designed to provide rigorous and concentrated study for students planning careers in the rapidly growing food service industry. The program's main emphasis is to prepare students for entry-level chefs and kitchen management positions. It is accredited by the American Culinary Federation, one of fewer than 200 U.S. colleges to receive that distinction. Students are eligible to become ACF Certified Culinarians upon graduation.

First held at the Park Place Hotel in 1994 as the Tasters Guild Auction, A Taste of Success is the largest fundraiser for culinary students. The 2017 event will be held February 18, 2017.

Release date: february 23, 2016

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